Harper County, Kansas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Harper County, Kansas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Shellabarger fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nalim loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nalim loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Woodward-Port complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pond Creek silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crisfield sandy loam, rarely flooded | 22K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dale silt loam, rarely flooded | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kirkland-Renfrow clay loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nashville silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pond Creek silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Woodward-Quinlan loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kingman clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lincoln loamy fine sand, occasionally flooded | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayes-Solvay loamy fine sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Shellabarger fine sandy loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bethany silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kingfisher silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Aline-Derby fine sands, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gerlane fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 27% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 71% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.